Astronomy
Research
Astronomers at Iowa State work at the forefront of research in a variety of areas of astronomy. As a member of AURA, Iowa State acts within the larger astronomical community in helping to oversee the operation of the national observatory system. Our interests cover the universe from studies of nearby stars, variable stars, and supernovae, to colliding galaxies active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and the intergalactic medium. A recent report to the American Astronomical Society gives a snapshot of some of the main research activities. The links below allow you to 'visit' some of the collaborative observational efforts we have with astronomers around the globe.
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Theory and Modeling
Models are an essential aspect of research in astronomy. ISU has a strong program in modeling and understanding stars and stellar systems. Curt Struck models colliding galaizes like the Cartwheel. Lee Anne Willson is using models and observations to investigate the future of the sun and the ultimate fate of the Earth. Steve Kawaler studies oscillating stars including white dwarf stars using evolution and pulsating modeling.
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Whole Earth Telescope
A network of astronomers around the globe that collaborate on time-series photometeric measurements of rapid variable stars. One of the premiere asteroseismology collaborations. ISU's connection is through Prof. Steven Kawaler
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Gamma Ray Astrophysics
ISU professors Frank Krennrich, David Carter-Lewis, and Martin Pohl share an interest in particle astrophysics. ISU is a member of the VERITAS collaboration, which is constructing an array of ground-based Cherenkov telescopes to observe TeV gamma ray sources.
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International Galactic Plane Survey
ISU's Charles Kerton is a member of this collaboration of astronomers who study the structure and dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy
